The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” to Private First Class Gregory P. Foster, United States Marine Corps, for heroic achievement in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division. On the afternoon of 11 March 1969, during Operation PURPLE MARTIN, the First Platoon of Company G was maneuvering toward Hill 477 at the northern sector of I Corps Tactical Zone when the Marines were temporarily pinned down under a heavy volume of sniper, automatic weapons, and rocket-propelled grenade fire from a large, well-concealed enemy force. Realizing the necessity of bringing accurate fire to bear upon the enemy, Private First Class Foster, reacting instantly, secured an M-60 Machine Gun from a wounded Marine and, with complete disregard for his own safety, rushed to a forward position twenty feet from one hostile emplacement. Although completely exposed, he commenced delivering accurate suppressive machine gun fire upon the enemy enabling his platoon to reorganize and assault the hostile positions. His bold initiative and timely actions inspired all who observed him and contributed significantly to the defeat of the hostile force. Private First Class Foster’s courage, aggressive fighting spirit and steadfast devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in saving the lives of numerous Marines and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. (The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.)
Sponsored by:
Awards Received
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Silver Star
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Silver Star
Service:
United States Marine CorpsRank:
Corporal [then Private First Class]Batallion:
2d BattalionRegiment:
4th MarinesDivision:
THIRD Marine DivisionAction Date:
March 23, 1969
The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Corporal [then Private First Class] Gregory P. Foster (MCSN: 2467323), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Machine Gunner with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 23 March 1969, a reconnaissance team from the First Platoon of Company G, was heavily engaged in combat with a large North Vietnamese Army force in the northern sector of I Corps Tactical Zone. Dispatched as a member of a reaction force, Corporal Foster arrived at the beleaguered Marines’ position and was subsequently informed that the unit had sustained four casualties. Alertly observing that two of the wounded Marines had been evacuated to safety while two other Marines were still lying in the open dangerously exposed to the intense hostile fire, Corporal Foster unhesitatingly rushed across forty meters of fire-swept terrain and commenced delivering accurate M-16 rifle fire at the enemy. Undaunted by the hostile rounds impacting near him, he resolutely maintained his position while two of his companions began moving the casualties to safety, and provided outstanding covering fire until his weapon temporarily malfunctioned. Fearlessly moving to another position, Corporal Foster picked up a wounded Marine’s M-16 rifle and, firing it at the hostile unit, enabled his comrades to evacuate the casualties to friendly lines. His bold initiative, timely actions and sincere concern for the welfare of his fellowman inspired all who observed him and were instrumental in saving the lives of two Marines. By his courage, aggressive determination and unswerving devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Foster contributed significantly to the defeat of the North Vietnamese Army force and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.